That is definitely the case. It has to be moving for it to turn at all. I feel your pain on that bit. I do a lot of fishing on rivers and up close to points and structure. It can be annoying but the other benefits of the PA have made up for it with me.

What I do if I need to turn quickly, is take the paddle and stick the blade in the water just deep enough to bite and cause drag on the oppostie side I want to turn. Works very well if there is a need to turn quickly to remain safe.

Also not mentioned is the fact of wind pushing on the side I want to turn will slow the process of turning also...

I fish mostly tidal water which most often is pushing me away from the structure. What has worked for in close area is fluttering, fluttering the drive with short strokes gives me momentum without distance.

Try leaning in the direction you want to turn before your first push of the pedal. It gets the mirage drive on the outside and more resistance to the inside of the turn.Also I have been doing a lot of using my hands as a paddle and dragging them on the turning side to get the nose going..seems to help me. I do a lot of work around bridges and pilings, a lot of stopping and starting. The short flutters also help.

Thanks for the responses , it is comforting to know it's not just my PA

I generally have my paddle half within quick reach to change the direction of the PA's nose before peddling away.

I'm seriously working on a alloy mount for the nose of the PA that will then accomodate a small electric trolling motor , were I'll utilise the foot controls to help control drifts when casting close to structure.

My wish Mr Hobie designers , is to one day have a set of fins?? that can go into reverse and that can be retro fitted into the existing mount Please please please

X3 on leaning with short flutter kicks for the jolt of forward energy. I can drift my PA fairly well. I am also looking into a drift sock. Also depends of you have wind? I have either my six year old on the cooler, or just the cooler. With that in mind, I have alot of wind drag. So I guess I am always moving. I do know like any moving object, after break-in period there is maintance needed. Things like rudder and Mirage drive need to be check for tolerence and lubrication if needed. I had a little play in both. Follow the other Indexs in Hobie forum for the maintance. You will see a difference.